West Virginians on the Silver Screen: Famous Folks in Movies & TV

From athletes and entertainers to businessmen and politicians, many famous folks call West Virginia home. Celebrate the talent that comes from our state by adding these actors’ credits to your viewing list! 

 

Ted Cassidy 

Best known for his role as Lurch in “The Addams Family” television show, Ted Cassidy was raised in Philippi and attended West Virginia Wesleyan College. For a bit of nostalgia, enjoy some of the classic cartoons that feature Cassidy’s voice acting talents like “Frankenstein, Jr. and The Impossibles,” “Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle,” “The Incredible Hulk” and more.

 

John Corbett

Born and raised in Wheeling, John Corbett moved to California after graduating high school. Some of Corbett’s most popular television roles include “Northern Exposure” and “Sex in the City.” He has also graced the big screen with roles in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and “Raising Helen,” among others. Recently, he appeared in Netflix’s “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.”

 

Brad Dourif 

Can’t get enough of horror movies? Check out Brad Dourif’s filmography! Recognized for being the voice of Chucky in the “Child’s Play” franchise, Dourif also appeared in “The Exorcist III” and “Alien Resurrection.” Born and raised in Huntington, Dourif starred in blockbuster films as well, including “The Lord of the Rings” series and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” the latter of which earned him a Golden Globe award. 

 

Conchata Ferrell 

Best known for playing Berta the housekeeper for all twelve seasons of the sitcom “Two and a Half Men,” Conchata Ferrell was born and raised in Loudendale, near Charleston. She graduated from Marshall University, where she had her first onstage performance in a skit comedy and musical production. Ferrell has appeared in numerous television movies and has guest-starred on various television series over the years.  

 

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner, a renowned actress, grew up in Charleston, and she often visits Southern West Virginia to take advantage of our outdoor recreation. If you enjoy romantic comedies, check out Garner’s “13 Going On 30,” “Catch and Release” or “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.” If you want something more dramatic and thrilling, watch her 2018 movie “Peppermint.” 

 

Steve Harvey 

Born in Welch, Steve Harvey and his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, when he was young. But he returned to the Mountain State to attend college at West Virginia University. Now a well-established comedian, businessman and entertainer, Harvey hosts “The Steve Harvey Show,” “Family Feud,” the Miss Universe competition and more. 

 

Don Knotts

An acclaimed actor and comedian, Don Knotts was born in Morgantown and attended West Virginia University. Best known for his role as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on “The Andy Griffith Show,” Knotts also starred in a string of comedic film roles such as “The Ghost of Mr. Chicken,” “The Reluctant Astronaut” and “The Apple Dumpling Gang.” 

 

Peter Marshall

Born Ralph Pierre LaCock, Peter Marshall adapted his stage name from the college in his hometown of Huntington, Marshall College, which became Marshall University in 1961. Marshall has almost fifty television, movie and Broadway credits to his name, including being the original host of “The Hollywood Squares” game show from 1966 to 1981. 

 

Chris Sarandon

Born and raised in Beckley, Chris Sarandon is widely known for his role as Prince Humperdinck in the movie “The Princess Bride.” For the horror film buffs, Sarandon has also appeared in the vampire thriller “Fright Night” and the popular “Child’s Play.” 

 

Kevin Sizemore

Kevin Sizemore, known for his roles in series such as “Fear the Walking Dead: Flight 462” and “Resurrection,” is a native of Princeton. He has appeared in a string of memorable television roles throughout his career and recently appeared in “Mine 9,” which was inspired by and filmed in Appalachia. 

 

Some other actors with West Virginia roots include: 

  • Dagmar
    Dagmar was one of the first major female stars of television in the 1950s. Born in Yawkey, she attended high school in Huntington before moving to New York City to pursue a career as an actress and model.
  • Joyce Dewitt
    Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, DeWitt is best known for playing Janet Wood in the popular sitcom “Three’s Company” from 1977 to 1984.
  • Paul Dooley
    Known for his roles in movies like “Sixteen Candles” and “Popeye” and as the voice of Sarge in the Disney/Pixar film series “Cars,” Paul Dooley was born and raised in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
  • Morgan Spurlock
    Parkersburg-born and Beckley-raised, Morgan Spurlock has made many documentaries, such as the acclaimed “Super Size Me.”
  • Josh Stewart
    Born in Diana, Josh Stewart is known for his roles in “Criminal Minds” and “The Dark Knight Rises.”
  • David Selby
    Born and raised in Morgantown, David Selby is best known for his role in the daytime soap opera, “Dark Shadows,” which aired from 1968 to 1971.
  • Bernie Casey
    Best known for his role as Calvin Hudson in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” Bernie Casey was born in Wyco.